SOFIANE KENNOUCHE

The Prince’s Trust and Robertson Tayside collaborated earler this month to giving budding builders a taste of construction through the Future Starts programme.

Teenagers from schools throughout Dundee & Angus visited Forfar Community Campus last week to see a live project under construction.

The Robertson site visit was part of a 'Future Starts' collaboration between the constructor and the Prince's Trust. Photo: Robertson/Weber Shandwick

The pupils were shown around the site - which will host a school and leisure facilities when finished - before taking part in hands-on work that will give them an introduction to brickwork and joinery.

Kevin Dickson, Regional Managing Director of Robertson Tayside said: “Forfar Community Campus will make a dramatic difference to the lives of people in the area so it made perfect sense to bring pupils with an interest in construction to see the ongoing work.”

The Future Starts scheme is a Prince’s Trust programme aimed at teenagers aged 15-18 who wish to leave school to join the world of work. The initiative provides a brief introduction to various sectors to allow them to gain an insight into the skills required before deciding whether or not construction would be the industry for them.

James Hopgood, the Future Starts Programme Executive, said: “The Prince’s Trust’s Future Starts programme is giving secondary students, who may be at risk of not reaching their full potential, an insight in to the different local employment industries.

“Partnering with Robertson Tayside has proved a great success, as their existing links with organisations such as the CITB and the local college will prove vital for those students interested in careers in the construction industry.”

Pupils who attended the site visit and took part in the building activity also heard from the CITB who delivered information about construction apprenticeships and work experience. The CITB is the creator of the Go Construct campaign, which encourages people to enter the industry.

Mel Shepherd, Construction Careers Advisor for CITB said: “This type of event is a fantastic opportunity for students to see and hear first-hand what type of work is carried out on a large construction site. The CITB presentation covers all aspects of the built environment sector from Design and Management to Craft careers and also gives the students an opportunity to ask questions on the construction sector.”

The Forfar Community Campus is being developed by Angus Council in partnership with the Hub East Central Scotland.